X-MEN (2000) Movie Reaction! | First Time Watch! | Hugh Jackman | Patrick Stewart | Ian McKellen

The hosts frame the original X-Men film as a foundational moment for superhero cinema, demonstrating that live-action comic book adaptations could succeed. They note its relatively contained scope and quick pacing compared to later, more expansive superhero franchises, highlighting its role in establishing the genre's viability.

Brandon states, 'There's a certain feeling of this movie is really just like a small proving ground of like superhero movies can work. Live action comic movies can work.'

The film's decision to dress the X-Men in black leather suits, rather than their colorful comic book costumes, was a notable point of contention upon release. The hosts appreciate the film's self-aware jab at this with Wolverine's 'yellow spandex' line, and how this meta-commentary evolved into a significant moment in later films like Deadpool & Wolverine.

Michael recalls, 'One thing I remember when this came out was the bit of controversy around them wearing like all black suits as opposed to their actual outfits.' Brandon adds, 'It was funny seeing him say the little line about what do you expect yellow spandex and then 20 you know 20 something years later we actually have him wearing finally the yellow and it's a huge moment in that film too.'

The hosts emphasize the powerful dynamic between Patrick Stewart's Professor X and Ian McKellen's Magneto, noting their established history and the palpable respect despite their opposing ideologies. They wish for more scenes showcasing the 'masters of their craft' working together, highlighting the compelling hero-villain foil.

Brandon states, 'watching them, I wish there was more scenes between the two of them. Objectively, I wish there were more scenes. Yeah. Because those two are just such powerful actors that when they're across from each other, nothing else compares.' Michael adds, 'You get the feeling that they're always kind of walking that fine line between friendship and enemies.'

Wolverine's character is discussed as a 'tragic hero' with a deeply 'edgy' backstory, characterized by his adamantium skeleton, amnesia, and a life marked by hardship. The hosts find his grounded, human-like qualities, despite his powers, make him a relatable and interesting figure.

Brandon describes Wolverine's backstory as 'an edgy Dungeons and Dragons backstory' with 'so much edge.' Michael notes, 'he's always been the most interesting character to me and I think it's because he seems the most human... the most grounded.'

The hosts analyze the mechanics of Rogue's power to absorb life force and mutant abilities, and how Magneto leverages this for his machine. They speculate on how Rogue's absorption of Magneto's personality traits might compel her to cooperate and how the machine acts as a conduit to amplify the power, despite the risk to both Magneto and Rogue.

Michael questions, 'Maybe it could have been made a little more clear, right? I think I was trying to fill in gaps with with how that was working there.' Brandon explains, 'when Rogue takes somebody's powers, she also takes aspects of their personality... she sort of becomes well a faximile of them.'